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Review - D.L.T.B.G.Y.D.

Artist: The Toasters

If the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are currently at the top of the heap in bringing ska to the masses, they got there by standing on the shoulders of the true missionaries of the third wave of ska: the Toasters. Over the course of 15 years, these guys have toured and given the world the best damn live show there is, while founding and running the main American label for ska music, Moon Ska. Having just checked them out here in Orlando last month, I'm happy to report they show no signs of slowing down.

While the Toasters are clearly the best in their field, their performance on record has never quite matched the jubilant ferocity of their live shows -- that is, until now. "D.L.T.B.G.Y.D." (Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down)" still doesn't capture the magic of a Toasters concert, but it does have a shine and exuberance all its own. Sixteen fabulous tunes, a couple of old friends here and there and these words of wisdom in the liner notes: "Ska music will never die, as it lives in the hearts of the fans and not in the bank accounts of the major labels."